Fisherfolk allege illegal concrete road laid ahead of govt. function

The Integrated Panchayat of Fishermen communities, representing villages from Kanathur Reddikuppam to Mahabalipuram Kokkilimedu in Chengalpattu district, has appealed to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to intervene in what they allege is a violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms ahead of the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Kovalam Reservoir Project scheduled on January 19.

In a petition submitted to the Chief Minister’s Special Cell, the fishers said officials had constructed a concrete road in an area classified as a No-Development Zone (NDZ) under the CRZ Notification to facilitate arrangements for the event. They alleged the construction was carried out in contravention of environmental regulations meant to protect the coastal ecosystem.

Arguing such actions set a wrong precedent, the fishermen’s body urged the Chief Minister to order the removal of the allegedly illegal road and to cancel the foundation stone laying ceremony until compliance with environmental laws is ensured.